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Patient Testimonials

I just wanted to thank you and say how happy I am with my anesthesia experience on 8/11/2008. I had a breast lift and abdominoplasty, and we spoke beforehand. I told you how I work in veterinary dentistry and induce/maintain general anesthesia in animals.

For the first time in my life I didn't wake up retching with nausea after anesthesia. This would probably be the most important time as well as my abdominal muscles were very painful from the procedure. I woke having wonderful dreams (of eating lovely golden fried chicken!) and started talking to the operating staff coherently feeling pretty much 'normal.' I ate a normal dinner that night as opposed to my usual experience; typically it's more than 24 hours before I feel like eating, surely taxing my healing processes.

Your technique did make a drastic difference for me and my recovery, and should be adopted by anesthesiologists readily. I cannot state enough what a difference you had for me, and my great thanks to you.

Thank you again,

G.S.

February 22, 2008

Dr. Friedberg,

I seriously believe that you were sent by God to do your job on this earth. God bless you!

I have had numerous cosmetic surgeries over the years all with horrible outcomes because of the anesthesia that was administered to me. I was continuously overdosed and when I tried to relate this to the surgeons they would then under dose me. I woke up during the operation! No one could ever get it right until you came along.

With you and your SIS monitor, 7 years ago I woke up after a 10 hour procedure and simply felt like I had been to a cocktail party, other than the fact that at that time you had depended on the surgeon to administer the pain medication which he did very apathetically.

Since that time you have perfected your technique. The surgery that I just had with you doing the "MIA" was the most excellent yet, especially since you were the one that provided everything that I needed.

I now refer you as "my anesthesiologist" and I go "under the knife" with little or no fear knowing that you are there with me.

Thank you so much Dr. Friedberg. I do believe that you are a saint.

Always,

J.G.

April 17, 2007

Hi Dr.Friedberg,

I just wanted to say thank you so much for your wonderfull work during my surgery on April 5th. You were right, going to sleep was the best part of it all, not to mention my nice dreams of going to the spa. The only bad part was that i was about to get a massage right before you woke me up :-). (well maybe next time LOL)

I was scared that I would get sick after the anestesia but when i woke up I felt just like after a good night's sleep.

If I ever need to go under anesthesia again, I will definitely request you doc. and recomend you to everyone I know.

Thank you for holding my hand too :-)

Sincerely,

Florentina
Ciao!

June 20, 2006

Dear Dr. Friedberg, Thank you for taking such good care of me during my surgical procedure on June 8th. I feel so grateful that, after inquiring, I was informed that there was, in fact, a less invasive form of anesthesia available.

As you know, I was hoping that this method would circumvent my getting a migraine headache after the surgery. This did not happen. I did get the headache later that evening, but it wasn't any worse than the average migraine I usually get, and was successfully treated with the Imitrex.®

Nevertheless, the more impressive part was how incredibly great I felt immediately after surgery, as well as on the following days during my recovery period. I was very alert, feeling very little pain, quite stable on my feet, and reasonably strong and comfortable. I know from personal experience, that after general anesthesia, I never felt that good.

The total experience of being under anesthesia, from start to finish, was amazingly easy; and, I attribute all of that, of course, to your expertise! I was 100% confident that I could not have been in any better hands than yours, and that your less invasive method of anesthesia clearly was, for me, the way to go. I'm very sure that it would also be a better option for many others who are not even aware that your methods exist. Keep spreading the word, as it is clearly a great option for anyone who wishes to recover from the effects of anesthesia more comfortably and quickly.

Thank you so very much for everything!

L.P.

Dear Dr. Friedberg,

I just wanted to tell you how much you and your anesthesia technique MIA® changed the outcome of my breast revision surgery. Having had six previous surgeries on my breasts, like it or not, I have become an expert on anesthesia! The total experience with your technique was wonderful, making an invasive surgery experience almost pleasant. The drugs given to me before surgery, took away all my anxiety and your compassion and attention made the transition to “sleep” calming and enjoyable rather than “scary” as in my previous experiences. Upon awakening I felt like I had a good nights sleep and was ready to get up. I helped move myself to the gurney and off to the recovery room. I am now feeling very well chatting with the recovery nurse. She tells me I am the first patient she has ever had a conversation with. It is also the first experience for me having any recollection of the recovery room. I have absolutely no nausea. And home I go armed with a collection of pain pills and muscle relaxers. But to my surprise I have no need for either drug. I had my post op visit the next day. Everyone remarked that I didn’t look like I had surgery. I didn’t feel like it either. No pain, no nausea and no anesthesia hangover! (This in previous surgeries lasted for weeks). I felt so well, I had to really focus on taking it easy.

Thank you for your wonderful anesthesia. I will most likely have cosmetic surgery again, but not without you…..

S.B.

Dear Dr. Friedberg,

I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful morning we spent together last Tuesday, June 15th. Granted, our date was spent at the operation table at Dr. C's office, but what an experience!!!!! The last words I remember from you were Pina Colada, and one second later I heard my daughter say, "Mom, how do you feel?" I remember immediately opening my eyes, sitting up, and wondering when my surgery was going to begin. I was truly blown away when I was told I could go right home. I didn't have to stay for two hours in which to recover?!?!? If it weren't for insurance purposes, I could have walked to the elevator and to the car all by myself without the wheelchair.

I felt so good, no "hang over" or nausea, or even feeling like I needed to go straight to bed. When I got home and started calling everyone, they were all amazed by the sound of my voice, as they thought I would be drugged and just wanting to be left alone. I just don't think there are words to thank you enough for going the distance for your patients and getting us out of the Stone Age where we were over drugged and sick for hours after surgery. It makes such a great difference in our recovery.

You and Dr. C make such a grand team and I'm so blessed to have found you two. If during the day you feel your ears burning, its because I'm bragging about you and letting everyone I know about your PK technique. You are truly an amazing doctor and I am very thankful for doctors like you. By the way, I did see the colors, but it seemed like just for a blink of an eye! Again, thank you for making this surgery such an extraordinary experience.

Always,

C P

Dr. Friedberg,

I just wanted to say thank you for making my very first experience with anesthesia so pleasant!!! "Going under" was one of my biggest fears and I am so happy that my experience was not at all scary!

I remember laying on the operating table and thinking, "I don't feel anything. It's not working!!" The next thing I know I heard my name being called and I was told "You're all done!" I couldn't believe it had been 3 hours. I didn't feel sick or bad at all. I was disoriented, but I just felt like I was woken up from a deep, Ny-Quil induced nap! And I recovered so quickly. I went from feeling a little dizzy, groggy and out of focus to alert and coherent in no time! I even dreamt while I was asleep (and they were normal dreams; nothing weird). I was not in any pain when I woke up. I have had very little pain in fact. The only pain I experienced was back pain and dry mouth (due to nose packing) for the first two days. I am now about 8 days post op and I feel great! I took Vioxx and Tylenol for the first few days, but I haven't needed any pain medication for the last two days.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to my parents and set their minds at ease. My dad is a big worrier and was freaking out before he talked to you. Keep in mind that he was a nervous wreck when I had my baby. He was sure something awful would happen even though I had a perfectly normal pregnancy. So you can imagine what was going through his mind the morning of my surgery!

I am very happy with my new nose and, although my breasts look weird right now, I am sure I will love them soon! You and Dr. Isse make a great team and I will certainly recommend you two to anyone I know who is looking into getting cosmetic surgery.

Thanks again

C. L.

Dear Dr. Friedberg,

You have been my anesthesiologist in all 5 of my cosmetic procedures. After each one, I have awakened totally alert, with no headache, no nausea, and the ability to think 100% clearly. Each time, I have used Tylenol only on the first night, and never anything after that. How amazing! Your years of working towards perfecting PK have really been worthwhile. Thank you for seeking the very best. I am reaping the rewards!

M.C., R.N.

Dear Dr. Friedberg:

First of all, let me apologize for the tardiness of getting this letter to you. I plea that I have been recuperating and also trying to form my thoughts to convey to you the amazing and unbelievable anesthesia, administered by you. Unfortunately, my vocabulary seems so inadequate to express my appreciation for you and the incredible PK procedure.

I must compliment you, not only on your professionalism, but also, your compassion, warmth and understanding. Thank you for emailing me before my surgery, and also for letting me bare my fears and anxiety without judgment. You demonstrated a gentle human side, something that can be an arduous task to find in other medical professionals who deal with cosmetic surgery.

You appreciated the fact that not only was I an RN (and you know what they say about nurses and doctors being the worse patients)! but also, my apprehension and reluctance to subject myself to elective surgery after undergoing over 30 surgeries for an unrelated serious illness. You not only reassured me by explaining everything, but you gave me strength, support and alleviated my fears by holding my hand until after induction.

In all my previous surgeries (including outpatient), I have always had severe post op nausea and vomiting...so bad that after a previous cosmetic procedure I was almost hospitalized. When I awoke from my procedure by you, I felt like I had just woken up from a good night's sleep. I had even forgotten that I had just had surgery. I wasn't in pain, wasn't nauseated. The only thing I remember was that I was thirsty. My friend that accompanied me brought me a smoothie and I had no problem drinking it or keeping it down. I recall telling the staff to please extend to you my compliments and gratitude for making it a good event. As my friends and colleagues ask about my procedure, I make it a point to sing your praises by stating "it was the best anesthesia I have ever had!"

I just wish that I could have you for my personal anesthesiologist for any future surgeries I might have to sustain. You and your procedure are fabulous!

My credos to you Dr. Friedberg! You are truly wonderful!

Sincerely,

Jan, RN

Dear Dr. Friedberg,

I just wanted to write a letter to tell you how impressed I was with the level of professionalism and courteousness I received from you during my surgery. I would never have expected to feel so respected and appreciated during any type of operation. I have had seven surgeries in my life that have required anesthesia and none of my other experiences were at all pleasant. In fact, the most unpleasant part of my surgery experiences were the harsh and unfriendliness of the staff inserting my IV's and administering my medication. I was very pleased with the level of attention and care I received and appreciated the way you explained everything to me step by step so that I would know what to expect. I will definitely request to have you as my anesthesiologist for any of my future needs and would recommend you to other patients. Feel free to use me as a reference for your future patients.

Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for making my experience
enjoyable.

Sincerely,

Monique

Dear Dr. Friedberg,

Thank you very much for your excellent work yesterday. Since I have had surgery before, I'd like to give you my comparison between conventional "tube" way and your method.

First, the relaxation pill helped quite a bit. I did not feel the burn that I was so afraid of either. Unfortunately I did not dream of anything pleasant, yet no nightmares either. I typically see dreams every night.

From the conventional way that I've had the job performed before, I was tense… the biggest difference for me was that I did not have to sit in the recovery room for two hours to get my act together. I did not feel sick and did not have that heavy "head from drugs" reaction, which lasted for 24 hours with my prior surgery. I'd say I felt more hyper intoxication in this case, where I felt more energy…after surgery.

Today I feel great, I regret I can't leave the house due to my look, but it seems from the shape of my nose that I think it's finally a good job that I expected from the start.

I will definitely keep you in mind for my future reference. I live in LA and people here are very prone to surgeries of all kinds.

Thank you again,

Irene

Dr. Friedberg,

For some time I've been meaning to send you a note thanking you for being my anesthesiologist on May 1st of this year.

My cosmetic surgeon was performing some touch-up surgery and I wasn't looking forward to the anesthesia because of a previous experience. I vomited for two days, and my hand was swollen and bruised from the IV. My surgeon assured me it wouldn't happen with you as my anesthesiologist, and he was absolutely right.

The medication given to me prior to going into surgery was wonderful; I was completely relaxed going into the OR. In the OR, the combination of drugs you used, and your method of administering them slowly, and as necessary, instead of "knocking me out with a hammer” worked just as you said. I awoke easily, without any nausea. In fact, I remember my first thought was to ask the nurse to thank you!

I can't tell you how much I appreciate you. I was pleased with the experience. Thank you again.

Bernie

Dear Dr. Friedberg,

Thank you for taking such good care of me during my surgery on July 9, 2001.

I was nervous but you reassured me. The IV start was painless and I never felt like I was "slipping away." The anesthesia is always one of the scariest parts for me, yet I was never fearful this time while in the OR. In fact, I don't remember a thing!

Thank you for your kindness and professionalism.

Sincerely,

Linda

Dr. Friedberg:

Thank you for the great anesthesia on my daughter, Christina, on 5/14/02. We both appreciate your expertise.

Nice website, also.

M.M., MD

Dr. Friedberg:

I had to let you know, although I probably already did, that you give the best IV's ever. You handled my anesthesia at Dr. Isse's office on Tuesday, July 16 in Burbank. The IV didn't even hurt. I was so thankful after having bad experiences in the past. That was also my first experience with anesthesia, but it was a great one. I was not sick or nauseated afterward-even on the two hour car ride home. I was in a lot of pain afterward, but only in my back due to being wrapped so tightly. My sister had foot surgery in Van Nuys the previous week and was vomiting the whole way home. I feel very fortunate that you were my anesthesiologist. I appreciate how you explained everything to me prior to the procedure as well. Thanks again and take care.

Sincerely,

Angela

February 9, 2010

Dr Friedberg,

Monica and I would like to thank you heartily, as she had the best
experience ever. We hope that this anaesthetic procedure catches on as it
really did result in a totally different experience, which was totally
comfortable, painless and less invasive on the body.

I want to thank you for creating a comfortable atmosphere and talking to
Monica through the whole process and holding her hand through the whole
experience, which in the past has been considerably worst.

Now we understand why Shannon insisted on having you there.

Well done Shannon

Best Wishes

Monica and Raj

Dr. Friedberg

I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful job you did calming me down last week (11/29/10 in Long Beach) and for being so sweet to me.

You took the time to explain everything to me and even showed me how the brain monitor worked.

When I woke up, I was so happy since I dreamt I was in a cartoon, so I guess I was pretty lucky.

Thank you for holding my hand during the whole process, well at least the part before I fell asleep.

You were absolutely right, I didn't feel, hear, or have any uncomfortable feelings after I woke up.

Thank you again, You truly are the BEST!

'Y'

Dear Dr. Friedberg,

Two weeks ago I was telling my friend Patricia Bacall that I was going in for lumbar surgery and how reluctant I was to have the operation done because on the horrendous experience I had from being overdosed with anesthetic the last time I had surgery. I said the worst part of the whole experience for me by far was the weeks it took to get the excess gas out of my system and how horrible it made me feel--I thought I would never get my mind and my lungs back.

Patricia then told me excitedly about a book she had helped design a couple of years ago by a doctor named Barry Friedberg. She gave me a summary of what it was about and urged me to buy it. I'm so glad I did. Getting Over Going Under turned out to be the best investment I ever made.

I read your book hurriedly--my surgery was in three days and I was desperate. The key points you made were real eye-openers. I called my neurosurgeon's nurse and, to my relief, learned that the Community Hospital of Anaconda, Montana did in fact have a Brain Activity Monitor. The nurse was a little baffled at my instance on the monitor, but faithfully relayed my request to the nurse anesthetist (Anaconda doesn't use anesthesiologists) assigned to my case.

I arrived the morning of my surgery to learn that I had been assigned a different anesthetist, Robin, and that Robin had not received word of my request. We had a long talk as they were getting me ready for surgery. I told her of being overdosed with anesthetic the last time and the horrible experience I had getting over it. I told her I didn't think I needed as much anesthetic as most other people. Robin listened carefully and said yes, she would use a brain activity monitor if that's what I wanted. If that's what I wanted! She was as good, experienced, caring and competent as they come...but if I had not requested the monitor she would not have used it!

It was a long, tedious, four-hour surgery. Robin visited me that afternoon and again the next morning after my head had cleared. I had no hangover and no side effects from the anesthetic and was anxious to hear what had happened. Robin said she was amazed at what little anesthetic I had needed. She said during surgery that my blood pressure remained constantly low and normal--that it didn't spike with pain.

She said that normally the blood pressure readings would have clued her that less anesthetic was necessary, but without the brain activity monitor she a) would have had no way of confirming it, b) not have had the confidence to keep me under with such a low doses of anesthetic and c) not known exactly how much to give me. I don't know who was more thrilled and amazed, me or her. It has now been ten days since my surgery and not once have I felt any ill effects from the anesthetic. The difference between this operation and the last one is night and day...all thanks to you!

Dr. Peter Sorini performed a brilliant surgery and got me out of nerve pain, but had it not been for your book, Getting Over Going Under--had you not dedicated yourself to trying to alert patients and the medical community at large to the common medical practice of overdosing patients with anesthetic--the wonderful recovery I am experiencing would instead be a living hell.

Thank you for your book, for your courage and integrity in the face of medicine's often-stubborn resistance to new ideas and information, and thank you for using graphic designer Patricia Bacall on your book...or I would not today be enjoying the miracle of not having been poisoned half-to-death with anesthetic.

S.G.M.

Book author

August 4, 2013

Dear Dr. Friedberg,

Two weeks ago I was telling my friend Patricia Bacall that I was going in for lumbar surgery and how reluctant I was to have the operation done because on the horrendous experience I had from being overdosed with anesthetic the last time I had surgery. I said the worst part of the whole experience for me by far was the weeks it took to get the excess gas out of my system and how horrible it made me feel--I thought I would never get my mind and my lungs back.

Patricia then told me excitedly about a book she had helped design a couple of years ago by a doctor named Barry Friedberg. She gave me a summary of what it was about and urged me to buy it. I'm so glad I did. Getting Over Going Under turned out to be the best investment I ever made.

I read your book hurriedly--my surgery was in three days and I was desperate. The key points you made were real eye-openers. I called my neurosurgeon's nurse and, to my relief, learned that the Community Hospital of Anaconda, Montana did in fact have a Brain Activity Monitor. The nurse was a little baffled at my instance on the monitor, but faithfully relayed my request to the nurse anesthetist (Anaconda doesn't use anesthesiologists) assigned to my case.

I arrived the morning of my surgery to learn that I had been assigned a different anesthetist, Robin, and that Robin had not received word of my request. We had a long talk as they were getting me ready for surgery. I told her of being overdosed with anesthetic the last time and the horrible experience I had getting over it. I told her I didn't think I needed as much anesthetic as most other people. Robin listened carefully and said yes, she would use a brain activity monitor if that's what I wanted. If that's what I wanted! She was as good, experienced, caring and competent as they come...but if I had not requested the monitor she would not have used it!

It was a long, tedious, four-hour surgery. Robin visited me that afternoon and again the next morning after my head had cleared. I had no hangover and no side effects from the anesthetic and was anxious to hear what had happened. Robin said she was amazed at what little anesthetic I had needed. She said during surgery that my blood pressure remained constantly low and normal--that it didn't spike with pain. She said that normally the blood pressure readings would have clued her that less anesthetic was necessary, but without the brain activity monitor she a) would have had no way of confirming it, b) not have had the confidence to keep me under with such a low doses of anesthetic and c) not known exactly how much to give me. I don't know who was more thrilled and amazed, me or her. It has now been ten days since my surgery and not once have I felt any ill effects from the anesthetic. The difference between this operation and the last one is night and day...all thanks to you!

Dr. Peter Sorini performed a brilliant surgery and got me out of nerve pain, but had it not been for your book, Getting Over Going Under--had you not dedicated yourself to trying to alert patients and the medical community at large to the common medical practice of overdosing patients with anesthetic--the wonderful recovery I am experiencing would instead be a living hell.

Thank you for your book, for your courage and integrity in the face of medicine's often-stubborn resistance to new ideas and information, and thank you for using graphic designer Patricia Bacall on your book...or I would not today be enjoying the miracle of not having been poisoned half-to-death with anesthetic.

Stephen G. Mitchell
Author of A Cure to Die For: A Medical Thriller

I had revision surgery about a month and a half ago with you as my anesthesiologist. I know this is a little late, but I wanted to thank you again for making the entire procedure effortless. For taking the time, step-by-step, to go over the procedure, methods and reasoning, to truly care if i had concerns, thank you. For making the whole experience free of unpleasant nausea and sickness, thank you. Most of all, thank you for inspiring my awareness, my experience with you is a tool I can use to protect myself the rest of my life, and I appreciate it deeply.

Best of Luck and Continued Success,

Francis

November 1, 2013 3:00 p.m.

Hi Barry,

I am doing well. Thank you soooooooo much for being there with me. I felt very comfortable. Knowing my experience with anesthesia, I you must know how much I fully appreciate your 21 years of experience. Goldilocks anesthesia is wonderful and you are the best. I know you ran down to the pharmacy to get pain medication for me when you knew I was in pain. I thank you very much for that as well as all of your magic. I never, ever want to "go under" again without you with me.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. You really are the best!!!

Fondly,

Karen

Dear Dr Friedberg,

I wish to thank you for your help and suggestions given to my dear friend Magda S on my behalf concerning a surgery preformed on me earlier this morning. I was terrified that something would go wrong during anesthesia. She gave me your book, 'Getting Over Going Under.'

Friday evening after I had been suddenly and unexpectedly informed that I would have Monday morning surgery. Because of the weekend, there was no way to find and contact routine anesthesia over this time..

I took your book with me to the hospital and just happened to be reading in my preop bed at the moment my anesthesiologist arrived to speak with me before the actual procedure.

I asked him to use a brain monitor. He wanted to know why and I elaborated upon my own previous nursing observations and a similar event described in your book that happened to my husband. He shook his head indicating that my reasoning was agreeable and supported to my request. I then broached the subject of and Diprovan and mention 'brain wind up syndrome.' All the while he shook his head in agreement and then took the book from me perusing it for several minutes. He stated he was aware of much of the information but had never seen that particular book. He appeared genuinely interested and pleased. His manner turned quite kind and he smiled saying "No problem, I give you want you want and will be very sure to take great care with you."

I awoke shortly after surgery, bright and fully alert. I was in the recovery room less than thirty minutes, stood on my own with no wooziness and dressed without assistance. I was also the first of those in the recovery room at the same time ready to be discharged!

I lay here on my bed on my stomach as I write to you with no breast nipple pain at the I&D area whatsoever. With my last breast surgery, I would have chomped at least four or more Vicodan by now sound asleep or moaning. I have no hangover or nausea. I had a hearty dinner which is extremely unusual for me after surgery, as I am indeed a veteran (ten major as of today). I also know that I did not need to have intubation for the first time under general. At present and am just emotionally fatigued from the general ordeal. I made all of my own calls to my friends and family to let them know I am well and everything went along fine with the surgery. My husband usually has to make those calls! He actually forced me to rest most of the day as I would have rather been up taking care of business as usual!

I thank you again for your care and efforts on behalf of all surgical patients. You work has allowed me to have some control and autonomy during a fearful time when many in that position are at their most helpless and vulnerable.